Mr. Corfer Goes To Parade

Mr. Corfer Goes To Parade

Lep Ai!
Lep Ai!
Lep Ai!
Lep!
Lep!
Lep Ai! Heads held out, straight, eyes blazing, neck muscles bulging to breaking point as he yells in time to his steps.

Lep Ai! Lep Ai! Tattered uniforms flaying in the wind, the boots only held together by a colorful array of string.

Lep Ai! Lep Ai! Eyes shrunken, bloodshot, thin angry-looking lips complement bony emaciated cheeks.

Haa-alt! Miss Lep Ai! Ka - boom! Angry boots stamp the ground at once sending a large cloud of dust. The parade commander shakes his head in pity, scanning the faces of the worn out and dejected boys and girls in front of him. He is clearly not impressed by what he has just watched. Mean while some mischievous fellows watching by the sides burst into a thunderous applause.
"I am not satisfied with this parade," the parade commander's eyes flicker through the column looking for a scapegoat.
"But sir, the heat sir, ," a tired fellow dared to grumble.
"Sha-rap!!!" that is Capt Nicholas at his best.
"Any more complaints and this parade will be repeated all over again," dead silence. Even the onlookers pretend to be sober. Private Abdulahi struts around with his cane to catch anyone who attempts to even swat a gnat.

"Such a shame, the stinking corfers," the RSM grins in satisfaction, Sergeant Sanni nods in forced agreement. He is not happy, especially since the parade involves members of his beloved 'flatoon pipe alipe'.

"eh, look at that otondo scratching your yansh on parade," the RSM yells. Private Abdulahi is quick with his cane as usual on the erring fellow.

"Remember," more yelling.
"You will be awaiting the governor on that day," groans this time.
Capt Nicholas is smiling, the recipient of that rare smile must be a female. Not even the soldiers are priviledged to get smiled at by oga. The girl smiles coyly, itchy fingers scratching her long legs vigorously. The RSM pretends not to notice her, even private Abdulahi looks the other way, oga is handling the matter.

"the heat sir, water sir, ," the smile disappears from oga's face. The boy stares at his toes.
"One more word and you are in the guard room!"
"Ye-es sir!" He replies, his voice shaky.
"No morning PT for you all," the RSM nods in agreement.
"You will assemble here by 7.30am sharp," more groans.
"I say sha-arap!" Not even the cane can reduce the grumblings anymore, for some, the guardroom might even be a better way of skipping the entire parade.

Capt Nicolas looks up, dismisses the parade and watches the stream of tired bodies shuffle to their rooms.
At least oga is free to spend some time with his new catch of the day at mammy market.

"the stinking corfers!"